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Boston Bombing

Once again, our nation is in the midst of dealing with another act of violence that has hurt, maimed and killed innocent Americans. As I watch the footage of the bombs that exploded during the Boston Marathon, I cannot believe that this atrocity has occurred in our country.  A nation where peace, acceptance and goodwill are supposed to be the norm.

What do we do?  How can we possibly explain this evil to our children when we cannot grasp the ugliness of it ourselves?  How do we continue to live within our cocoons of contentment when fellow Americans are . . . → Read More: Boston Bombing

Margaret the Magnificent Moves and Grooves

“Margaret the Magnificent Moves and Grooves “is the fourth exciting picture book in the character building, adventure stories of Margaret, the amazing and magical super-dog  and her animal buddies.  In this story, Margaret the enormous shaggy sheep-dog becomes healthier and happier after changing her eating and exercise choices.  Carlos the Cat, Marshmallow the Mouse, and Bernie the Bird encourage their favorite dog to visit the vet for a complete checkup. Then, the four friends go to the supermarket to purchase crunchy and healthy snacks. Finally, they participate in a Zumba Fitness Program where the animals move and dance to . . . → Read More: Margaret the Magnificent Moves and Grooves

Disbelief

I cannot believe that the month of December is here once again. I cannot believe that the year 2012 is almost over. I cannot believe that our winter holidays are upon us. I cannot believe that schools prohibit its teachers from celebrating this beautiful time of the year with our children. Its seems incomprehensible that teachers cannot discuss, teach, and enjoy this festive season for fear that they will not be objective in their presentations. Please, if we believe in our teachers and in their abilities to educate with professionalism, then, we should trust in their talents to treat . . . → Read More: Disbelief

Honoring Those Who Battle Cancer

HONORING THOSE WHO BATTLE CANCER

How many people are battling cancer today?

How many fear what the doctor will say?

Cancer claims victims who are both young and old

The battle starts off slowly until chemo takes its toll

Losing weight, muscle tone, energy and hair

Are mild in comparison to its nausea, fear and despair

Will the treatment work?  Will the cancer go away?

Will you live life with apprehension or is this the only way?

Will the evil cells take control of your body, mind and soul?

Will you celebrate another birthday; will you get the chance . . . → Read More: Honoring Those Who Battle Cancer

Scheduling Family Time

The other day, I was listening to a group of young women discuss the intensity of both their own and their children’s lives. As I was listening, I was reflecting back to when my own kids were young.  The chaos of those years seems so real to me that I was able to empathize with these women’s busy schedules and balancing acts. I felt out of breath and exhausted just remembering when my own girls, Nicole and Jamie were attending school, religious instruction, practicing for sports, playing in games, completing homework, studying for tests, attending or hosting play dates . . . → Read More: Scheduling Family Time

A New School Year 2012

Now that summer is ending, many of us are thinking about the upcoming school year.  Are you wondering how to reduce your children’s apprehension?  Are you trying to balance their self confidence with the ability to think critically and to express their concerns politely and clearly? Regardless of age, a blank notebook, a fresh backpack, new pencils, pens, markers, and/or crayons should be joyful and yet, for many children, those objects elicit feelings of insecurity and fear of failure.   I believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that our kids are emotionally, socially, cognitively, and physically ready to . . . → Read More: A New School Year 2012

Books

“Forever Love” is a sensitive, beautifully illustrated picture book that explores the everlasting love between a terminally ill parent with his child.

“Room for One More” is a wonderful book to share with young children for it focuses on the heart’s ability to expand as a new baby is welcomed into a family.  The story discusses feelings and unconditional love.

“Margaret the Magnificent” is the first in the Margaret series of stories.  It introduces the magical super-dog as she travels the globe in order to help a little girl find the courage and self confidence she needs to begin . . . → Read More: Books

More Frustration

One may feel frustration when accomplishing a goal or fulfilling a desire seems impossible and/ or improbable. The intensity of frustration seems to parallel the importance one places on the goal.  It seems that a certain amount of frustration keeps us motivated, helps us to focus, and encourages us to think creatively in order to attain the desired end.  My question is, when does frustration become crippling and what can we do to avoid the pitfalls that accompany an individual’s feeling of helplessness?

As a parent and teacher, I have observed how different children react to difficult situations. I . . . → Read More: More Frustration

Conferences

Both teachers and parents have homework to complete before entering into a conference with each other.  Communicating and sharing information about a child’s progress, strengths, weaknesses, areas of concern, social-emotional and motor development must be handled professionally, calmly and in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity towards the parent as well as the student.

Teachers should gather and chronologically organize a cross section of work to share with the parent. He or she should be cognizant that the mom and or dad will be sensitive to the teacher’s comments and should always begin a session with a smile and a . . . → Read More: Conferences

Easter and Passover

Even though Easter and Passover are religious Judeo-Christian holidays,  we can and should address family traditions  holiday foods, celebrations, songs, games, and activities in the classroom,  while we  leave the religious aspects of the holidays at home with our families. I feel that if we skip over the holidays, we are compromising our teaching goals by ignoring what children are showing an interest in.  And so, I will share with you, a few developmentally and politically appropriate activities and songs to enjoy with your boys and girls.

Science:  Discuss where baby chicks come from.

Discuss which other animals lay . . . → Read More: Easter and Passover

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Margaret the Magnificent